'Huge' demand for Pall Mall cigarettes in PH - BAT

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - British American Tobacco (BAT) is seeing strong demand for its Pall Mall cigarettes in the Philippine market.

Adam Bookless, head of sales and marketing at BAT Philippines, said the company is experiencing low inventory situations with Pall Mall.

"We apologize that the retailers like you have been experiencing low inventory situations with Pall in recent weeks. As you know, this problem has been caused by the unanticipated huge demand for the product,” Bookless said in a letter to retail partners dated May 27.

Pall Mall was introduced in the country last year. Pall Mall Boost and Pall Mall Switch, which have a suggested retail price of P25 per pack, are two of the fastest-growing cigarettes brands in conveience stores.

Bookless assured that BAT is increasing its production to meet the demand requirements.

"We are confident that we can fill you additional orders at the soonest possible time," he said.

Earlier, BAT Philippines general manager James Lafferty said despite the spike in "sin taxes", cigarette consumption in the Philippines remained steady.